Cad To GT Strudl

GT STRUDL
User Guide
CAD Modeler
Getting Started Guide
Release Date: October 2015

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Notice
This GT STRUDL User Guide - CAD Modeler Getting Started Guide is applicable to GT STRUDL Version 2016 and later versions for
use on PCs under the Microsoft Windows operating systems.
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Table of Contents
NOTICES ...iii
Table of Contents ...v
1. Getting Started ........................................................................................................................ 1

1.1. Introduction ..................................................................................................................... 1
1.2. Installing CAD Modeler under Windows 8 and Windows 7 ............................................ 1
2. Using CAD Modeler ................................................................................................................. 5
2.1. Overview of Using CAD Modeler and configuring AutoCAD ........................................... 5
2.2. Running CAD Modeler ..................................................................................................... 5
2.3. Menu Bar and Ribbon Area ............................................................................................. 6
2.4. AutoCAD Commands ....................................................................................................... 7
2.5. CAD Modeler Commands ................................................................................................ 8
2.5.1. Units......................................................................................................................... 8
2.5.2. Materials .................................................................................................................. 9
2.5.3. Sections ................................................................................................................... 9
2.5.4. Levels ..................................................................................................................... 10
2.5.5. Grid ........................................................................................................................ 11
2.5.6. Creating Joints ....................................................................................................... 13
2.5.7. Finding Joints ......................................................................................................... 14
2.5.8. Joint Supports ........................................................................................................ 14
2.5.9. Joint Properties...................................................................................................... 14
2.5.10. Duplicate Joints ..................................................................................................... 15
2.5.11. Floating Joints ........................................................................................................ 16
2.5.12. Creating Members ................................................................................................. 16
2.5.13. Finding Members ................................................................................................... 17
2.5.14. Splitting Members ................................................................................................. 17
2.5.15. Merging Members ................................................................................................. 17
2.5.16. Member Properties ............................................................................................... 17
2.5.17. Member Filters ...................................................................................................... 18
2.5.18. Creating Shell Finite Elements ............................................................................... 19
2.5.19. Reverse Incidence Order ....................................................................................... 20
2.5.20. Finding Shells ......................................................................................................... 20
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2.5.21. Shell Properties...................................................................................................... 20
2.5.22. Meshing along a curve........................................................................................... 21
2.5.23. Meshing between two lines .................................................................................. 23
2.5.24. Meshing between four lines .................................................................................. 24
2.5.25. Meshing inside a polyline ...................................................................................... 24
2.5.26. Meshing by extruding a polyline ........................................................................... 26
2.5.27. Meshing using 3 curves ......................................................................................... 26
2.5.28. Groups ................................................................................................................... 26
2.5.29. Self - Weight .......................................................................................................... 27
2.5.30. Load Cases ............................................................................................................. 28
2.5.31. Joint Loads ............................................................................................................. 29
2.5.32. Member Loads ....................................................................................................... 30
2.5.33. Shell Loads ............................................................................................................. 33
2.5.34. Area Load ............................................................................................................... 33
2.5.35. Load Combinations ................................................................................................ 35
2.5.36. Create GTI .............................................................................................................. 36
2.5.37. Edit GTI .................................................................................................................. 37
2.5.38. Execute GT STRUDL ............................................................................................... 37
2.5.39. Read Analysis Results ............................................................................................ 37
2.5.40. Import GTI.............................................................................................................. 38
2.5.41. Set Views ............................................................................................................... 39
2.5.42. 3D or Wireframe View of the Structure ................................................................ 39
2.5.43. Colors and Visible Elements .................................................................................. 40
2.5.44. Display Options ...................................................................................................... 41
2.5.45. Annotate ................................................................................................................ 42
2.5.46. Select CAD Modelers entities ............................................................................... 43
2.5.47. Display Member Local Axes ................................................................................... 44
2.5.48. Display Shell Planar Axes ....................................................................................... 44
2.5.49. Display Joint Supports ........................................................................................... 44
2.5.50. Display Joint Loads ................................................................................................ 44
2.5.51. Display Member Loads .......................................................................................... 45
2.5.52. Display Area Loads................................................................................................. 46
2.5.53. Display Deformed Structure .................................................................................. 46
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2.5.54. Display Member Diagrams .................................................................................... 46
2.5.55. Display Finite Element Results............................................................................... 47
2.5.56. Display Finite Element Selection Results ............................................................... 48
2.5.57. Display Member Code Check Results .................................................................... 48
2.5.58. Clear Results Layer................................................................................................. 49
2.5.59. Version ................................................................................................................... 49
3. Tutorial Example #1 ............................................................................................................... 50
3.1. Introduction ................................................................................................................... 50
3.2. Open CAD Modeler and start working .......................................................................... 50
3.3. Define the basic geometry of the model ....................................................................... 51
3.4. Create the 1st floor......................................................................................................... 56
3.5. Create the 2nd floor ........................................................................................................ 64
3.6. Create the 3rd floor ........................................................................................................ 65
3.7. Create bracing ............................................................................................................... 68
3.8. Create girders ................................................................................................................ 73
3.9. Create an opening ......................................................................................................... 79
3.10. Create Supports ......................................................................................................... 80
3.11. Check the model ........................................................................................................ 81
3.12. Define Groups ............................................................................................................ 81
3.13. Define Loads .............................................................................................................. 84
3.14. GT STRUDL Input File ................................................................................................. 96
3.15. Display Results ........................................................................................................... 98
4. Tutorial Example #2 ............................................................................................................. 103
4.1. Introduction ................................................................................................................. 103
4.2. Open CAD Modeler and start working ........................................................................ 104
4.3. Define the basic geometry of the model ..................................................................... 104
4.4. Create the bottom of the tank .................................................................................... 107
4.5. Create the walls of the tank ........................................................................................ 109
4.6. Create Supports ........................................................................................................... 116
4.7. Check the model .......................................................................................................... 118
4.8. Define Groups.............................................................................................................. 119
4.9. Define Loads ................................................................................................................ 122
4.10. Create GT STRUDL Input File ................................................................................... 127
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4.11. Display Results ......................................................................................................... 131
5. Appendix List of Commands ............................................................................................. 134
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GT STRUDL CAD MODELER
Getting Started Guide
1. Getting Started
CAD Modeler is an add-on to AutoCAD, which allows you to create GT STRUDL Input Files (GTI)
graphically using AutoCADs powerful CAD tools and graphical display capabilities. AutoCAD
must be installed in your computer before installing and running CAD Modeler. It is highly
recommended that you have AutoCAD experience before using CAD Modeler.
1.1. Introduction
This document contains information about:
- Installing CAD Modeler

- Configuring AutoCAD and running CAD Modeler for first time
- List of CAD Modeler Functions with detailed explanation for each one
- Tutorial examples
- Summary of CAD Modeler commands
1.2. Installing CAD Modeler under Windows 8 and Windows 7

In order to install CAD Modeler check the box Install CAD Modeler? on the form shown below
during the GT STRUDL main installation procedure.
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CAD Modeler Installation can also be launched independently, after GT STRUDL installation, by
executing the file CADM_setup.exe which is located in the CADModeler folder in the GTStrudl
2016 installation directory. The following steps are common regardless if the installation was
launched from the GT STRUDL main installation or independently.
The first screen is a welcome dialog that prompts you to close all other applications before
continuing the installation. It is essential to close any running instances of GT STRUDL, CAD
Modeler, or AutoCAD before continuing the installation.
The next step is to select the components to be installed. The CAD Modeler Main Files are installed
by default, and in addition you have to choose at least one version of the AutoCAD CAD Modeler
Interface to be installed depending on the version of AutoCAD that is currently installed in your
computer.
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The last screen summarizes your selection and by pressing Install the installation procedure
starts.
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CAD Modeler is installed in the same installation directory with GT STRUDL, under the sub-
directory CADModeler. For example,c:\Program Files (x86)\GTStrudl\2016\CADModeler is a
typical CADModeler installation directory.
When the copy process is completed, a new dialog named Finalizing Setup appears and you are
prompted to enter the corresponding AutoCAD Installation Directory.
Press the browse button to find and select the file acad.exe, in the AutoCAD installation
directory, and press Open. The name of the directory is copied to the corresponding edit box,
and by pressing End, the installation is complete.
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2. Using CAD Modeler
2.1. Overview of Using CAD Modeler and configuring AutoCAD

CAD Modeler can only be launched directly by GT STRUDL; by initializing an instance of AutoCAD
and automatically loading CAD Modeler ARX Application (CADModeler.arx) in the same instance.
CAD Modeler creates a separate AutoCAD user profile, named CADModeler, so the CAD
Modeler menus, icons and ribbons do not affect your standard AutoCAD environment, or other
applications running on the top of AutoCAD.
CAD Modeler commands can be accessed from the menu, from the ribbon area, or by typing the
specific command in the AutoCAD command prompt.
- If AutoCAD Menu is not turned ON, you have to type "MENUBAR" in AutoCAD's prompt,
and then enter 1.
- If AutoCAD Ribbon is not turned ON, you have to type "RIBBON" in AutoCAD's prompt.
All GT STRUDL structural data, which are created using CAD Modeler, are stored in two files: the
.dwg file which contains the AutoCAD information, and the .db file which contains the structural
data. The two files have the same filename (only the extension is different) and they are linked
together by CAD Modeler.
CAD Modeler creates a GT STRUDL Input File (.gti) and is able to send this .gti file to the main
instance of GT STRUDL, which sits on the background. When analysis is performed in GT STRUDL
and results are available for reading, CAD Modeler is able to load them from GT STRUDL DBX (data
base exchange) files.
Since CAD Modeler is launched and licensed by the main GT STRUDL application you are not
allowed to close the main GT STRUDL window. If GT STRUDL is closed, CAD Modeler outputs a
warning and CAD Modeler commands are no longer functional.
2.2. Running CAD Modeler

CAD Modeler is launched from the GT STRUDL Welcome dialog by selecting the CAD Modeler
icon. A new instance of AutoCAD, having CAD Modeler automatically loaded, is created. You will
be able to identify that CAD Modeler is loaded successfully by having two additional menus (GTS
Modeling and GTS Display) next to the AutoCAD main menus and the GTS CAD Modeler tab
in the ribbon area.
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2.3. Menu Bar and Ribbon Area
CAD Modeler commands can be accessed from AutoCADs Ribbon Area at the top of the window
by selecting the two tabs at the right: GTS CAD Modeler and GTS Display:
If AutoCAD menu is visible, then CAD Modeler commands can be accessed from Menu Area at
the top of the window by selecting GTS Modeling or GTS Display
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2.4. AutoCAD Commands
You can use AutoCAD commands, such as Move, Copy, Rotate, Mirror and Delete to generate
your model faster. The assumptions made in the use of each command are:
- Move: By moving a joint, the members and finite elements connected to the joint follow
this movement
- Copy: Joint, Member and Element Loads and Supports are not copied
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- Mirror: Joint, Member and Element Loads and Supports are not copied or mirrored. The
Beta Angle of members is not mirrored. Element incidence order is mirrored so that
elements orientation, that defines the Z Planar Axis, remains the same.
- Delete: If a joint is deleted, there is a prompt that asks for confirmation since members
and elements connected to this joint will automatically be deleted as well.
2.5. CAD Modeler Commands
2.5.1. Units
The following form is used to define the active units, either from ribbon command or
from the menu GTS Modeling>Units or by typing GTSUnits at the command prompt.
You can change the Units any time during working in CAD Modeler. Moreover, you can choose if
the non-structural AutoCAD entities, such as grids, structural lines, curves, polylines, etc will be
scaled together with the structure whenever you change the length units.
The current units appear at the top of the main CAD Modeler window:
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2.5.2. Materials
The following form is used to modify existing material properties or create new materials. You can
select this command either from the ribbon command or from the menu GTS
Modeling>Materials or by typing GTSMaterials at the command prompt.
2.5.3. Sections
For models which contain frame members, you should select the cross sections to be added to
your project either from the default cross section library or by creating user defined prismatic
cross-sections.
Prismatic cross sections can be created from the Menu GTS Modeling >Cross Sections>Prismatic
or by typing GTSPrismatic at the command prompt.
In the dialog shown below, you enter the cross sectional properties in the current unit system.
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You can access the existing cross section library (GT STRUDL tables) from the ribbon command
, or from the Menu GTS Modeling>Cross Sections>Table or by typing GTSParams
at the command prompt.
Using the following form, where all GT STRUDL built-in TABLES are available, you select the cross
sections for your project by double clicking on them, at the right part of the screen. The list of
selected cross-section profiles appears at the left part of the screen and the selected profiles have
a large black dot in front of them.
2.5.4. Levels
It is optional to define Levels (stories) in your structure. However, it is recommended that you do
so when modeling industrial or other building-like structures as this will save you time during the
creation of your model. You can access the level properties dialog from the ribbon icon
or from the menu GTS Modeling>Levels or by typing GTSLevels at the command prompt.
Using the Level Properties form you can:

- Set the Height for each level, in current length units
- Define the visible status of each level: if Visible or not
- Add Levels to the model
- Delete Levels from the model
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- Detect Levels Automatically using an algorithm to detect levels along the height of the
structure by identifying locations having at least four horizontal members.
- Merge Levels, by selecting two or more levels and merging them to one.
- Define if the Vertical Axis is the global Z or global Y.
- Update Levels for All Entities, in order to assign the correct Level to each entity (joint,
member or finite element) depending on its coordinates along the height of the structure.
After defining Levels, you can switch between levels by either using the Visible checkboxes from
the Level Properties form, or using the and icons in the ribbon
area. You can also type GTSLevelUp and GTSLevelDown at the command prompt.
Moreover, you can define a grid system and/or generate vertical members (Columns) with a single
click. These commands will be explained below.
Finally, the current level, if defined, appears at the top of CAD Modeler window, next to the
Current Units.
2.5.5. Grid
A Grid system can be defined and used as a pattern for entering beams and columns. In order to
be able to enter a Grid, you must first specify Levels in your structure (see the Levels command
above). You can access the Grid dialog by expanding the Levels tab from the ribbon icon
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, or from the menu GTS Modeling>Grid>Create or by typing GTSGrid at the command
prompt.
Using the Grid form you can:

- Set different parameters for the Horizontal and Sidelong directions of the grid.
- Define and control the spacing in each direction, by entering the desired spacing
Distance of the new grid line and pressing Add button. Later on you can edit a specified
spacing or delete it, using the corresponding buttons Edit and Delete.
- Define the Angle between the Grid X-Axis and the global X-axis
- The Angle between the Horizontal and Sidelong lines (default equal to 90 degrees)
- Control the Height of fonts
- Control the Position of the labels
- Control the Type of identification to be either Number or Letters
- Control the Starting From item, which can be a number or letter depending on the Type.
- Select the levels that this grid will be applied to. You can apply the grid to more than one
levels and/or have multiple grids per level.
By pressing OK, you are prompted to enter the Insert Point of the grid, meaning the coordinates
of the lower left corner of the grid. The grid lines are then created as shown in the figure on the
next page.
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You can also change the properties of an existing grid by expanding the Levels tab and selecting
the ribbon icon , or from the menu GTS Modeling>Grid>Change or by typing
GTSGridChange at the command prompt, and then selecting the Grid to be edited.
2.5.6. Creating Joints

You can generate individual joints from the ribbon command or from the menu
GTS Modeling>Joint>Generate Joint or by typing GTSJoint at the command prompt. You
then must enter the X,Y,Z coordinates (separated by comma) or click at the corresponding point
at the screen. However, for frame structures, it is recommended to start generating members
(and joints will be automatically generated at their ends).
If you have already defined Levels at the structure, you can generate individual joints at the
current lever from the ribbon command or from the menu GTS
Modeling>Joint>Generate Joint at Level or by typing GTSJointLevel at the command
prompt. You then have to enter only X and Y coordinate (Z will be calculated using the current
Levels Elevation)
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2.5.7. Finding Joints
You can find an individual joint from the ribbon command or from the menu GTS
Modeling>Joint>Find or by typing GTSFJID at the command prompt and enter the name of
the Joint. If the joint name exists, the joint will be selected (by clicking on change, you can
modify it without making a new selection).
2.5.8. Joint Supports

You can find an individual joint from the ribbon command or from the menu GTS
Modeling>Joint>Support or by typing GTSJointSupport at the command prompt and select
the joint or the joints to be supported. The Joint Properties form appears, where you can define
which degrees of freedom are fixed and also enter a spring value in case of elastic supports. Using
the Quick Selection, you can quickly define a Fixed, Pinned or Free Joint (by default all joints are
free)
2.5.9. Joint Properties

You can change the properties of a joint from the ribbon command or from the menu
GTS Modeling>Joint>Change or by typing GTSJointChange at the command prompt and
select the joint or the joints to be edited or by double-clicking on an existing joint.
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The Joint Properties form appears, and at the Model tab you can enter the Name of the Joint
(up to 8 characters) the Level that the joint belongs (optional), the theta rotation angles for
rotated support joints, the Groups that the joints belongs to, the coordinates of the joint in the
current unit system, the restraints of the joint and the spring values.
If you select more than one joint, then Multiple Selection appears at the top of the Joint
Properties form, and all data entered in the form will be applied to all selected joints.
2.5.10. Duplicate Joints
In order to erase joints that have the same coordinates (one on the top of the other) that may
have been generated by mesh generation functions, you have to check the model for duplicate
joints from the menu GTS Modeling>Checks>Check for Duplicate Joints or by typing
GTSCheckDuplicateJoints at the command prompt. You then have to enter the desired
merge accuracy (Enter Merge Accuracy <0.001000>). If duplicate joints exist in the structure, a
new dialog appears having the full set of duplicate pairs, where you can select the joints to be
merged or not as shown below.
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2.5.11. Floating Joints
Floating Joints are the joints that are not connected to any member or finite element, therefore
they may cause instability in the solution of the mathematical model. Using the command GTS
Modeling>Checks>Check for Floating Joints from the Menu or by typing
GTSCheckFloatingJoints at the command prompt, floating joints are automatically
identified, and using the corresponding form as shown below, they can be deleted.
2.5.12. Creating Members

You can generate individual members from the ribbon command or from the menu
GTS Modeling>Members>Generate Beam Members or by typing GTSBeam at the command
prompt. You must then enter the X,Y,Z coordinates (separated by commas or click at the
corresponding point at the screen) of the member start and then of the member end. Joints are
automatically generated at both member ends, unless a joint already exists at the specific point.
If so, the member is connected to the existing joint(s).
If you have already defined Levels at the structure, you can generate vertical members (columns)
at the current lever from the ribbon command or from the menu GTS
Modeling>Member>Generate Vertical Member or by typing GTSColumn at the command
prompt. You then have to enter only one point (starting top point) in the floor plan. The ending
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bottom point will be automatically calculated, having the same X and Y coordinates, and Z
coordinate will be calculated by the current levels height.
2.5.13. Finding Members

You can find an individual member from the ribbon command or from the menu GTS
Modeling>Member>Find or by typing GTSFMID at the command prompt and enter the name
of the Member. If member name exists, the member will be selected (by clicking on change you
can modify it without making a new selection).
2.5.14. Splitting Members

You can split a member into two or more parts from the ribbon command or from the
menu GTS Modeling>Member>Split Member or by typing GTSSplitMember at the
command prompt and select the Member to be split. You then define Distance for splitting the
member or the number of equal parts (negative number), entering:
- the position of the split, meaning the length of the 1st part starting from starting joints, or
- the number of equal parts that will be generated after the split, by typing a negative
number. For instance, entering -3 means to split the original member into 3 equal parts.
2.5.15. Merging Members

You can merge two members to one member from the ribbon command or from the
menu GTS Modeling>Member>Merge Members or by typing GTSMergeMembers at the
command prompt and select two members. The two members must have a common joint
(middle). After merging the middle joint is NOT deleted and you have to delete it manually. This
joint can be removed manually, using AutoCADs erase command, or by using CAD Modelers
Remove Floating Joints Command.
2.5.16. Member Properties

You can change the properties of a member from the ribbon command or from the
menu GTS Modeling>Member>Change or by typing GTSBeamChange at the command
prompt and select the member or the members to be edited or by double-clicking on an existing
member.
The Member Properties form appears, and at the Model tab you can enter the Name of the
Member (up to 8 characters), the Level that the member belongs to (optional), the Type of the
Member (Space Frame or Space Truss), Starting and Ending Joints, Beta Angle, the Groups that
the member belongs to, the Cross-Section applied to this member and the corresponding section
properties, the Material of the member, member releases and elastic end connection spring
values, End Sizes and global Member Eccentricities.
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If you select more than one joint, then Multiple Selection appears at the top of the Member
Properties form, and all data entered in the form will be applied to all selected members.
2.5.17. Member Filters

You can select members of the structure, that fulfill several criteria, using the icon or
from the menu GTS Modeling>Member>Filter or by typing GTSFilterMembers at the
command prompt.
Members can be filtered forming queries of three different categories:

- Their Properties, that can be: Name, Level, Section, Material, Beta Angle, Group, Release
Statues, Kf values, Eccentricities and End Sizes
- Their Loading Data, that can be: Load Case, Load Type, Load Direction, Load Values and
Location.
- Their Analysis Results, that can be: Load Case, Member Forces Fx Fy Fz Mx My
Mz for both ends and section forces Fx - Fy Fz - Mx My Mz.
You can set multiple (up to 5) conditions of the same category using logical expressions (AND,
OR). In example, filter members that their section is IPE330 AND they belong to level < 3 AND
their beta angle is greater than or equal to 90.
After the query is formed, your press Execute >> and the IDs of the members fulfilling the
criteria appear at the Results list.
18
Filtered members may be:
- Added to any Group
- Selected as AutoCADs selection (to be edited, moved, copied, moved etc), using the
option Keep Selected after closing form
- Made the only visible entities of the structure, by hiding all other entities, using the
option Make them the only visible
2.5.18. Creating Shell Finite Elements

Shell finite elements are generated automatically using the meshing functions described below.
However, you can generate individual quadrilateral or triangle shell elements one by one.
Quadrilateral elements can be created using the icon or from the menu GTS
Modeling>Shell>Generate quad at joints or by typing GTSShell at the command prompt. You
must then enter the X,Y,Z coordinates (separated by commas or click at the corresponding point
at the screen) of the four corners of the quad element. Joints are automatically generated unless
a joint already exists at the specific point. If so, the element is connected to the existing joint(s).
19
Triangular elements can be created using the icon or from the menu GTS
Modeling>Shell>Generate triangle at joints or by typing GTSShellT at the command prompt.
You must then enter the X,Y,Z coordinates (separated by commas or click at the corresponding
point at the screen) of the three corners of the triangular element. Joints are automatically
generated unless a joint already exists at the specific point. If so, the element is connected to the
existing joint(s).
2.5.19. Reverse Incidence Order

The Incidence Order (clockwise or counterclockwise) of selected shell elements can be reversed
using the icon or from the menu GTS Modeling>Shell>Reverse Incidence Order or
by typing GTSShellReverse at the command prompt. The Incidence Order defines the
orientation of the Elements Planar Z and Local Z Axes which then also affects the Local and Planar
X and Y Axes.
2.5.20. Finding Shells

You can find an individual shell element from the icon or the menu GTS
Modeling>Shell>Find or by typing GTSFEID at the command prompt and enter the name of
the element. If the element name exists, the shell element will be selected (by clicking on
change you can modify it without making a new selection).
2.5.21. Shell Properties

You can change the properties of a shell finite element from the icon or the menu
GTS Modeling>Shell>Change or by typing GTSShellChange at the command prompt and
select the shell or the shells to be edited or by double-clicking on an existing shell element.
The Element Properties form appears as shown below, and from the Model tab, you can enter
the Name of the Element (up to 8 characters), the Level that the element belongs to (optional),
the Type of the Element, Joint Incidences, the Thickness of the shell, the Groups that the element
belongs to and the Material of the element.
20
If you select more than one element, then Multiple Selection appears at the top of the Element
Properties form, and all data entered in the form will be applied to all selected elements.
2.5.22. Meshing along a curve

You can create several members along any selected AutoCAD linear entity, that can be a Line, an
Arc or a Circle, from the ribbon command or from the menu GTS Modeling>Mesh
Generation>1D Along Line or Curve or Circle or by typing GTSMesh1D at the command prompt.
21
After selecting the AutoCAD linear entity the
Mesh Properties dialog appears, where you
can define:
- The Material of the members to be

generated.
- The Type of the members (FRAME or
TRUSS)
- The Cross-Section of the members
from a list of previously selected
project sections.
- The Beta angle that defines the
orientation of the cross-section in 3D
space.
- The number of members, to be
generated, that can be equally spaced
(uniform) or may have variable
spacing.
- The Labeling (optional) of the joints
and members to be generated (Enter
Labeling Rules form), where you can
set the First ID for joints and
members and their labeling prefix.
- By clicking Preview you are able to
preview the members to be
generated (without creating any
entities).
- By clicking Create the members are
generated and the Mesh Properties
form is closed.
By selecting Variable spacing, the U1-Curve Spacing form appears, where you can enter the
Total Number of Spaces, and the Length of each part, either in absolute distance or as a
percentage of the line or curves total length using the dialog shown on the next page.
22
The Enter Labeling Rules form allows you to set the First ID for joints and members to be created
and their labeling prefix. Note that the total length of the label cannot be more than 8 characters.
2.5.23. Meshing between two lines

You can create Members or Finite Elements between two selected AutoCAD linear entities such
as Lines or Arcs, from the ribbon command or from the menu GTS
Modeling>Mesh Generation>2D Between 2 Lines or Curves or by typing GTSMesh2D2L at the
command prompt. You are then asked to select two AutoCAD curves that will define the U and V
boundaries of the Mesh.
23
The dialog has the same options as in the 1D mesh command and in addition you can also define:
- Members or Elements to be generated (for Members the options are the same as in 1D)
- Type of Finite Elements, from the available GT STRUDL Finite Element library
- Thickness of Finite Elements
- Spacing in both the U and V directions
2.5.24. Meshing between four lines

You can create Members OR Finite Elements between four selected AutoCAD linear entities, that
can be Lines or Arcs, from the ribbon command or from the menu GTS
command prompt. You are then asked to select four AutoCAD curves that will define the U1, U2,
V1 and V2 boundaries of the Mesh as shown in the figure below with U2 opposite U1 and V2
opposite V1
The dialog has the same options as in the 2D mesh between two curves command.
2.5.25. Meshing inside a polyline

You can create Finite Elements inside an AutoCAD closed curve, that can be a Polyline or a Circle,
from the ribbon command or from the menu GTS Modeling>Mesh Generation>Inside
Polyline or by typing GTSMesh2DPoly at the command prompt. You are then prompted to
select the closed AutoCAD polyline or circular curve.
24
After selecting the AutoCAD entity the Mesh
Properties dialog appears, where you define:
- The Material of the elements to be

generated
- Type of Finite Elements from the
available GT STRUDL Finite Element
library
- Thickness of Finite Elements
- The Maximum Edge Size along the
Boundary. CAD Modeler will generate
additional joints along the boundaries
so that there is no finite element edge,
along the boundary curve, longer than
the entered value.
- You can have the boundary curve to be
split in smaller parts than the Max, or
not. Additional splitting may be
required if you try to increase the
quality of the finite element mesh or if
you try to control the maximum area
of the finite elements.
- The maximum area of each finite
element.
- The quality of the triangles that are
going to be generated.
- Add one or multiple (MultiA) internal
closed boundaries (polylines or
circles), or open boundaries (arcs or
lines). If a closed internal boundary is
selected there is a question asking if
you want the elements inside the
boundary to be removed (treat it as a
hole) or not. Moreover, you will be
asked a question regarding the size of
elements along the internal boundary
curve, that can be 0, so as to follow the
current value of the Boundary
Maximum Edge Size, or it can be a
positive number which defines the
maximum length along the internal
boundary, or it can be a negative
integer which defines the number of
equal parts that the internal boundary
will be split.
25
- Add internal joints (points) that will be
additional corners of the finite
element mesh.
- Labeling, Preview and Create functions are identical to the ones of the previously
described meshing forms.
2.5.26. Meshing by extruding a polyline

You can create Finite Elements by extruding an AutoCAD closed curve, that can be a Polyline or a
Circle, from the ribbon command or from the menu GTS Modeling>Mesh
Generation>3D Extrude PolyLine or by typing GTSExtrudePoly at the command prompt. You
are then prompted to select AutoCAD curves, first the extruded curve, and then the curve which
defines the extrude direction which can be either a line or polyline. The finite elements will be
generated on the extruded surface.
The Mesh Properties form is similar to the Meshing inside a polyline properties form but you
must also define the Spacing Extrude Direction, meaning the parameters that control the size
of elements along the extrude direction. Uniform and Variable options are suitable if the extrude
entity is a line. Defined by Curve, size is suitable if the extrude entity is a polyline, so that it is
enforced that joints will be generated at the intermediate points of the polyline.
Labeling, Preview and Create functions are identical to the ones of the previously described
meshing forms.
2.5.27. Meshing using 3 curves

You can create Members OR Finite Elements between three selected AutoCAD linear entities, that
can be Lines or Arcs, from the ribbon command or from the menu GTS
command prompt. You are then asked to select three AutoCAD curves that will define the U, V
and W boundaries of the Mesh.
The dialog has the same options as in the 2D mesh command, between 2 lines, with the extra
parameters for the meshing in the W direction.
2.5.28. Groups
It is optional to define Groups in your model, but it is strongly advised to do so, since it will be
easier to control the display and modeling of parts of your structure. Each Group is defined as a
set of joints, members and finite elements. Each structural entity can belong in more than one
group. Moreover, Groups defined in CAD Modeler are exported to the GT STRUDL Input file (.gti),
meaning you can also use them in GT STRUDL analysis and design commands.
You have to first define the name of each group from the ribbon icon or from the menu
GTS Modeling>Groups>Manage or by typing GTSGroups at the command prompt.
26
Using the Groups Form you can:
- Set the Name of each Group (NOTE: not larger than 8 characters, due to GTSTRUDL
limitation)
- Add Groups to the model
- Delete Groups from the model
- Define if this Group is corresponding in a Physical member definition (used in Steel
Design commands).
After defining a group you can enter joints, members and shell elements to it using the
commands:
ribbon icon, or GTS Modeling>Groups>Add Joints or by typing GTSGroupJoints
at the command prompt
ribbon icon, or GTS Modeling>Groups>Add Members or by typing
GTSGroupMembers at the command prompt
ribbon icon, or GTS Modeling>Groups>Add Shells or by typing GTSGroupShells
at the command prompt
2.5.29. Self - Weight

The Self-weight load of the structure can be created from the ribbon command or
from the menu GTS Modeling>Loads>Self Weight or by typing GTSSelfWeight at the
command prompt.
27
The Self-Weight form appears
where you can define:
- the global direction of the

self-weight
- the load factor (default = 1.0)
for the self-weight
- if the self-weight of finite
elements will be taken into
account or not
2.5.30. Load Cases

A new load case can be created from the ribbon command or from the menu GTS
Modeling>Loads>Load Cases or by typing GTSNewLoadCase at the command prompt. The
Load Case form appears as shown below where you can enter new load cases, modify existing
ones, or delete them.
28
2.5.31. Joint Loads
A Joint Load can be entered from the ribbon command or from the menu GTS
Modeling>Loads>Joint Load or by typing GTSJointLoad at the command prompt. You then
have to select the joint or the joints that the load will be applied to.
At the Joint Generalized Loads tab you can apply joint loads or displacements. On the left part
of the form, you can see a list of all available load cases: Load cases having loads already applied
to the specific joint appear at the top list box. Load cases that do not have any loads applied to
the specific joint appear at the bottom list box. Next to the name of each load case there is a $
symbol followed by the total number of joints that are already loaded in the specific load case.
29
2.5.32. Member Loads
A Member Load can be entered from the ribbon command or from the menu
GTS Modeling>Loads>Member Load or by typing GTSBeamLoad at the command prompt.
You then have to select the member or the members that the load will be applied to.
At the Member Loads tab or the Member Properties form as shown below, you can apply
member loads. In the left part of the form you can see a list of all available load cases: Load cases
having loads already applied to the specific member appear in the top list box. Load cases that do
not have any loads applied to the specific member appear in the bottom list box. Next to the name
of each load case there is a $ symbol followed by the total number of members that are already
loaded in the specific load case. The load distribution can be Concentrated, Uniform, Linear or
Triangular and it can be applied in any local member or global direction. The Location can be
entered in fractional terms (0: start, 1: end) or absolute terms in current length units measured
from the start of the member.
30
Using the Member Temperature Loads tab, you can define Axial or Bending temperature
change along a part of the member, similar to the Member Loads tab as shown on the next
page
Finally, using the Member Distortions tab, you can define concentrated of uniform distortion
of the member in any direction along the member as shown on the next page.
31
32
2.5.33. Shell Loads
A Shell Load can be entered from the ribbon command or from the menu GTS
Modeling>Loads>Shell Load or by typing GTSShellLoad at the command prompt. You then
have to select the shell or the shells that the load will be applied to.
Using the Element Loads tab of the Element Properties form, you can apply element loads. In
the left part of the form, you can see a list of all available load cases: Load cases having loads
already applied to the specific element appear in the top list box. Load cases that do not have any
loads applied to the specific element appear in the bottom list box. Next to the name of each load
case there is a $ symbol followed by the total number of elements that are already loaded in the
specific load case. The Force type can be Body, Surface or Edge, in any Local, Planar, Global or
Projected direction with uniform or variable values.
2.5.34. Area Load

An Area Load can be entered from the ribbon command or from the menu GTS
Modeling>Loads>Area Load or by typing GTSAreaLoad at the command prompt.
33
Using the Area Load form you can
define:
- The Name of the Load (up to 8

characters)
- The description of the load
- The Loading Value in current
units (force/length2). A positive
value is applied in the negative
global DIRECTION
- The Global direction of the
loading plane (X, Y or Z) and the
tolerance
- The position (Elevation) of the
plane, defined by a coordinate
or an existing Joint. All members
belonging to the plane having
this elevation are located and
loaded by GTSTRUDL.
- The Distribution of the load (one
way or two way)
Advanced Optional Features:
- Outline Region: Select the

members that form the closed
perimeter of the loaded area. If
an Outline Region is defined
then the area load is applied
ONLY to the selected area and
NOT to the whole plane having
the elevation defined above.
- Exclude Area: Internal openings
or islands not being loaded may
be specified by selecting the
members that define the
perimeter of the excluded area.
- Ignore Members: Select members that you do not want to be loaded (eg bracing
members)
By selecting Display >> you are able to graphically view the loaded area, marked in yellow
hatch pattern.
34
2.5.35. Load Combinations
A new load combination can be created from the ribbon command or from the
menu GTS Modeling>Loads>Load Combinations or by typing GTSLoadCombination at the
command prompt. The New Load Combination form appears where you can enter new load
combinations. For each Load Case or Load Combination, that appears in the left list box, you
define a factor and using the ADD>> button the selected load case is added in the combination.
When all load cases are added, press the STORE button to store the load combination.
Using the same form, you can also Edit an Existing Load Combination (remember to press STORE
after you are done with the modifications). You can also Delete an Existing Load Combination
using this form.
35
2.5.36. Create GTI
A GT STRUDL Text Input file can be generated from the ribbon command or from
the menu GTS Modeling>Create GT.STRUDL GTI or by typing GTSExportGTI at the command
prompt. In the Create GTSTRUDL Input File dialog, you can enter the filename of the GTI File and
add additional commands to your GTI file, such as the Stiffness Analysis command to perform a
static analysis automatically and commands which control the analysis results data that can be
imported into CAD Modeler immediately after the analysis is complete.
Moreover, you can append additional GTI Files or Macros at the end of the GTI file of the model.
For example, additional GTI files may include static or dynamic analysis commands, result output
commands or member design commands.
36
2.5.37. Edit GTI
The GT STRUDL Text Input file can be edited from the ribbon command or from the
menu GTS Modeling>Edit GT.STRUDL GTI or by typing GTSEditGTI at the command prompt.
The previously created GTI is opened for editing using the default text editor.
2.5.38. Execute GT STRUDL
GTSTRUDL can be launched, to process the previously created GTI, from the ribbon command
or from the menu GTS Modeling>Edit GT.STRUDL GTI or by typing
GTSExecuteGTI at the command prompt.
2.5.39. Read Analysis Results
After performing the stiffness analysis in GT STRUDL, results can be read back to CAD Modeler,
from the ribbon command or from the menu GTS Modeling>Read
GTSTRUDL Results or by typing GTSResultsGTI at the command prompt.
Read GTSTRUDL Results form appears, where you can choose to import Displacements,
Member Forces, Section Forces, Section Displacements and Finite Element Results. Depending on
your selection a set of GTI DBX commands are created in the edit boxes shown below. If you have
selected the same options in Generate GTI command, then the DBX commands are already
included in your GTI file. Else, they should be copied and pasted into GT STRUDL main window.
Do not press OK before the writing of the files in the GT STRUDL main window has completed.
37
By pressing OK you will get the confirmation message Results Loaded Successfully
at the command prompt. Else, you will get an error message informing you about the type of
analysis results that are missing and the corresponding DBX full path file names.
2.5.40. Import GTI
An existing GTI file can be imported it into CAD Modeler from the menu GTS Modeling>Import>
GT.STRUDL GTI or by typing GTSGTIRead at the command prompt. Note that the GTI should
be generated by the command File>Save>Text Input File from GT STRUDL main menu.
38
2.5.41. Set Views
You can switch between different 2D or 3D views of the structure from the ribbon command
or from the menu GTS Display>Set View or by typing GTSSetView at the
command prompt.
It is strongly recommended to use Z as the vertical axis, so as to be able to use all built-in AutoCAD
functions for Views (Top, Bottom, Left, Right, Isometric, etc). However, if you use Y as the vertical
axis, you can use this form to have identical 2D and 3D views, as in GTMenu.
2.5.42. 3D or Wireframe View of the Structure
You can switch between the 3D view or wireframe view of the structure.
You can view the 3D display of your model from the ribbon command or from the menu
GTS Display>3D Sections or by typing GTSSet3D at the command prompt. When 3D view is
selected, all members appear as solid cross sections and shell elements are displayed in 3D view
taking into account their thickness.
You can view the wireframe display of your model from the ribbon command or from
the menu GTS Display>Frame or by typing GTSSet1D at the command prompt. When the
wireframe view is selected, all members and shell edges are displayed as lines.
If some parts of the structure are hidden (i.e. using Levels form) you can display the whole
structure from the ribbon command or from the menu GTS Display>Whole Structure or
by typing GTSSetAllVisible at the command prompt.
39
2.5.43. Colors and Visible Elements
You can control the color of each member or element, and its visibility from the ribbon command
or from the menu GTS Display>Colors or by typing GTSColorView at the
command prompt.
Using the tab Sections in the Color Options form shown below, you can assign a different color
for each cross-section profile and set its visibility to ON or OFF. By pressing Reset Colors, all
colors are set to defaults.
Using the tab Groups in the Color Options form, you can assign a different color for each group
and set its visibility to ON or OFF. Moreover, you can set a color for entities that do not belong to
any group (UnGrouped data). For entities belonging to more than one group, only the 1st group is
taken into account.
40
Note, that if the Sections tab is active when pressing OK, then the colors will be selected
according to the Sections tab. If the Groups tab is active when pressing OK, then the colors
will be selected according to the Groups tab.
2.5.44. Display Options
You can set the display options from the ribbon command or from the menu GTS
Display>Options or by typing GTSDisplay at the command prompt. Using the Display
Options form shown below, you can:
- set which objects will be visible or not

- set object colors
- set which labels will be visible or not
- set font sizes for labels. NOTE: Font sizes are defined in length units, except Annotation
fonts that are entered in Points.
- set object sizes
- set the shrink factor for finite elements and members. This option makes it is easier for
you to detect members that lie along finite element edges
41
- Do Not Display Thickness in 3D. If you check this option, elements will be displayed as
being 2D instead of a 3D display which shows the thickness of the elements. This option
may increase the display speed in very large finite element models.
2.5.45. Annotate
You can display information related to your model from the ribbon command or by
typing GTSAnnotate at the command prompt. The Annotate form appears where you
choose the type information needed, press the Annotate button and select the corresponding
entities.
42
The available inquire options are:
- Coordinates of a specific Joint or AutoCAD

Point. Immediately after selecting this you
have to select one Joint or Point.
- Dimension/Distance between two Joints or
AutoCAD points. Immediately after selecting
this you have to select two Joints or Points.
- Joint Names to display the name of a specific
joint. Immediately after selecting this you have
to select one Joint.
- Member or Element Names. Immediately after
selecting this you have to select one Member
or Shell.
- You can also control the size of the fonts (in
points) and the arrowhead.
2.5.46. Select CAD Modelers entities

You can use all AutoCADs selection functions (window, crossing, pick, etc) to select CAD
Modelers structural entities. In addition, there is a command to help you selecting entities, having
functionality similar to GTMENU. You can access this command from the ribbon command
or by typing GTSSelect at the command prompt. The GTS Select form appears
where you can set the selection options.
- Bounded Line Selection: All entities

that lie on a Line
- UnBounded Line Selection: All entities
that lie on a Line or its extension
- Bounded Plane Selection: All entities
that lie on a Plane
- UnBounded Plane Selection: All
entities that lie on a Plane or its
extension
- Bounded Volume Selection: All
entities that is located inside a
Volume
- UnBounded Volume Selection: All
entities that is located inside a
Volume or its extension
Moreover, you can choose to filter only Joint, Members and Elements during the selection.
43
2.5.47. Display Member Local Axes
You can view the local axes of all members from the icon (Ribbon GTS
Display) or from the menu GTS Display>Member Local Axes or by typing
GTSDisplayLocalAxes at the command prompt and immediately after you click at the point
where you want the legend to be displayed.
In the legend, the X axis is displayed in cyan, Y axis in red and Z axis in yellow. The size of the arrow
and its arrowhead is controlled by the value given at Display Options > Object Sizes > Load
Arrowhead and the size of the legend fonts is controlled by the value given at Display Options >
Label Settings Font Sizes > Annotation (pts) (shown in 2.5.44).
2.5.48. Display Shell Planar Axes

You can view the planar axes of all shell elements from the icon (Ribbon GTS
Display) or from the menu GTS Display>Shell Planar Axes or by typing
GTSDisplayPlanarAxes at the command prompt and immediately after you click at the
point where you want the legend to be displayed.
and its arrowhead is controlled by the value given at Display Options > Object Sizes > Load
Arrowhead and the size of the legend fonts is controlled by the value given at Display Options >
2.5.49. Display Joint Supports

You can view the support status of each joint from the icon (Ribbon GTS Display)
or from the menu GTS Display>Joint Supports or by typing GTSDisplaySupports at the
command prompt.
A red arrow is displayed for the translational restrained degrees of freedom and a yellow arrow is
displayed for the rotational restrained degrees of freedom. The size of the arrow and its
arrowhead is controlled by the value given at Display Options > Object Sizes > Load Arrowhead
and the size of the legend fonts is controlled by the value given at Display Options > Label Settings
Font Sizes > Annotation (pts) (shown in 2.5.44).
2.5.50. Display Joint Loads

You can view the joint loads applied in the structure from the icon (Ribbon GTS
Display) or from the menu GTS Display>Joint Loads or by typing GTSDisplayJointLoads
44
The Display Loads form appears where
you can select the desired Load Case, the
Scale Factor for Joint Loads, Arrowhead Size
and the Font Size. The Show button
displays the load arrows, and the Clear
button erases them.
2.5.51. Display Member Loads

You can view the member loads applied in the structure from the icon (Ribbon
GTS Display) or from the menu GTS Display>Member Loads or by typing
GTSDisplayMemberLoads at the command prompt.
The Display Loads form appears where

you can select the desired Load Case, the
Scale factor for Concentrated or Distributed
Member Loads, Arrowhead Size and the
Font Size. The Show button displays the
load arrow, and the Clear button erases
them.
45
2.5.52. Display Area Loads
You can view the area loads applied in the structure from the icon (Ribbon GTS
Display) or from the menu GTS Display>Area Loads or by typing GTSDisplayAreaLoads at
the command prompt. Loaded areas appear in yellow solid hatch. If you want to display only one
area load, you can use the area load command (2.5.34) to bring up the area load dialog, select
the specific area load and click Display >>.
2.5.53. Display Deformed Structure

You can view the deformed shape of the structure from the icon (Ribbon GTS
Display) or from the menu GTS Display>Deformed Structure or by typing
GTSDisplayJointDisplacements at the command prompt. You must then immediately
select the load case, press ENTER, and then give the desired scale factor.
You can switch back to original view from the icon (Ribbon GTS Display) or from
the menu GTS Display>Undeformed Structure or by typing
GTSResetJointDisplacements at the command prompt.
Note that Deformed Structure can be displayed in both 3D and Wireframe views of your model
and that you can also switch between levels using the Levels Form or the Upper Lever, Lower
Level icons.
2.5.54. Display Member Diagrams
You can view the force and moment diagrams from the icon (Ribbon GTS Display)
or from the menu GTS Display>Member Diagrams or by typing GTSDisplayMemberForces
46
The Member Diagrams form appears where
you can select:
- The desired Load Case or Combination

- The Envelope option and the load
cases that form the envelope.
- The Forces or Moments to be
displayed (FX, FY, FZ, MX, MY, MZ)
- The Scale factor
- The Font Size (in pts) for Annotations
- Automatically Label Maximum and
Minimum values for each diagram
- Choose the direction of the diagrams
by switching the Positive Sign.
- The Display >> button creates the
diagram for the visible members. If
there are any hidden members their
diagrams are not displayed.
- The Annotate > button allows you to
annotate any value of the diagram by
fist clicking on the member diagram
curve and then at the position that
annotation will be placed.
- The Legend > button allows you to place a legend on screen, having information
about the load case and member diagram.
2.5.55. Display Finite Element Results
You can view the finite element results from the icon (Ribbon GTS Display) or from
the menu GTS Display>Element Results or by typing GTSDisplayElementResults at the
command prompt.
47
The Element Results form appears where
you can select:
- The desired Load Case

- The desired item to be displayed:
Stress, Strain, Resultants, Principal
Stress, Principal Strain, Principal
Membrane Resultant, Principal
Bending Resultant, Von Misses
- The component of the desired item to
be displayed, i.e. Sxx, Syy, Szz
- The Location: Top, Middle or Bottom
surface of the element which is
defined by the local or planar z axes of
the shell element. The top surface is
in the positive z direction.
- The Display >> button creates the
contour and a popup legend with the
limits of each color appears.
2.5.56. Display Finite Element Selection Results
You can view the finite element results of selected elements from the icon (Ribbon
GTS Display) or from the menu GTS Display>Element Results Selection or by typing
GTSDisplayElementResultsSel at the command prompt.
This command is similar to the Display Finite Element Results of the previous paragraph. The
only difference is that you have to give a selection of members for the contours. This is useful in
cases where you want to examine only one surface of the structure, so display the limits of the
specific area. Or, if you do not want to take into account stresses from elements not belonging to
a specific plane.
NOTE: An Execute GTI command, including stiffness analysis, has to be given prior to this
command.
2.5.57. Display Member Code Check Results
You can view the pass/fail result of a Steel Code check or design from the icon
(Ribbon GTS Display) or from the menu GTS Display>Member Code Check Results or by typing
GTSColorCodeCheck at the command prompt. You must then select the load case and the
48
steel members which passed the code check will appear in blue, those that fail the code check will
appear in red and those that were not included in the code check will appear in white.
2.5.58. Clear Results Layer
You can clear the displayed output (Display Model, Display Loads, Display Results), hide the
Legend form of the contours and return to model from the icon (Ribbon GTS Display) or
from the menu GTS Display>Clear Results Layer or by typing GTSDisplayResultsClear
at the command prompt. This command should be given after any of the previous display
commands.
2.5.59. Version
The current version of CAD Modeler can be displayed by selecting from the menu GTS
Display>Version or by typing GTSVersion at the command prompt. The current version will
be displayed at the command line: The current version of CAD Modeler is xxxx
49
3. Tutorial Example #1
3.1. Introduction
The modeling of a three story building using CAD Modeler shown below is demonstrated in a step-
by-step process.
3.2. Open CAD Modeler and start working

Step #1. Launch GT STRUDL by selecting the icon CAD Modeler in the Welcome to GT STRUDL
dialog shown below. The version of AutoCAD selected during the installation will be automatically
launched, together with CAD Modelers menus and ribbons.
50
Step #2. Make sure that CAD Modelers ribbons and menus are visible.
If AutoCADs menu is not visible, type MENUBAR at AutoCADs command prompt, then 1 and
press <ENTER>.
If AutoCADs ribbon area is not visible, type RIBBON and press <ENTER>.
Ribbon commands will be used in this tutorial example. However, since all ribbon commands
appear in the menu area, you can use the menu bar as well.
3.3. Define the basic geometry of the model

Step #3. Define the correct Units by pressing the icon and select Meters (m) and
KiloNewtons in the Units Form.
51
Step #4. Enter the cross-section profiles that will be used at the model by pressing the icon
. Click on the European list and then on the HEB table of profiles. Select the profile
HE320B, that will be used for the columns, by double clicking on it.
52
The profile is added to the project and it appears in the left list-
box having a black dot in front of it.
Using the same procedure, add 3 additional profiles: IPE330, for

beams, IPE120 for the girders from table IPE and 60x60x5 for the
bracing from the table BSEQANGL. Press OK to close the form.
Note: You can add additional profiles at any time by following

this procedure and also view the full list of profiles used in your
model and add more profiles if needed.
53
Step #5. Define the 3 levels of the model by pressing the icon . Press the Add Level
st
button 3 times to add 3 levels to your model. Modify the height of the 1 level by selecting the
Height cell of the 1st Level and entering 4. Make sure that Z Vertical Axis option is checked and
press OK to close the form.
Step #6. Enter a Grid that will help you enter the columns quickly by clicking on the icon
that appears by clicking on the ribbon tab to expand it. The grid is going to have
3 spaces (6m, 5m, 6m) in the horizontal direction (X) and 1 space (5m) in the sidelong direction
(Y). Enter 6 in the Distance text box and press the Add button. Repeat by entering 5 and Add, and
6 and Add.
Then, click on Sidelong in the Placement area

to enter the spacing in the Y direction, and
enter 5 and Add.
By pressing OK you are prompted to enter

the Insert Point for the grid. Type 0,0,0 and
press <ENTER>.
The grid is created, having its upper left corner A-1 at the point 0,0,0.
54
You will be able to view the grid by pressing the Top Icon in
AutoCADs View Cube, or preferably by typing Z (for Zoom), E (for
Extents) and press <ENTER>.
Note: In order to be able to snap at the intersection of the grid lines, while placing columns, make
sure that the AutoCADs Object Snap is ON, and the Intersection mode is enabled.
55
3.4. Create the 1st floor
Step #7. Start entering the columns by clicking on the icon and the pop-up dialog GTS
Member appears at the upper left corner of the screen.
This dialog helps you to quickly select

properties for the members that are going to
be entered. Select HEB320B as the cross
section for the columns. Make sure that
Material is set to Steel, Releases to Fix-Fix and
the Beta angle is 0. There is no need to close
this dialog manually.
Click at the intersection point between line A

and line 1 (point A-1) and the column will be
placed at this position. Repeat the same
procedure by clicking at the points B-1, C-1, D-
1, A-2, B-2, C-2 and D-2.
When you are done, press ESC to exit the

Vertical column command. The GTS Member
form is automatically hidden.
Step #8. You can easily change to an isometric view of the structure by pressing the small house
icon in AutoCADs View Cube.
As you can see in the isometric view below, column members

1 to 8 were created together with joints 1 to 16 at their ends.
Each column is 4.00m long, as defined in Level Properties
(height of the first floor).
56
Step #9. Start entering the beams, along X axis, by clicking on the icon and the
prompt message Starting Point (x,y,z) appears, asking you to enter the coordinates or click on a
specific point on screen. Click on Joint 2 at the top joint of column 1 at position A-1.
Select IPE330 as the cross section and make sure that Material is set to Steel, Releases to Fix-Fix
and the Beta angle is 90. You have to set the Beta angle equal to 90 degrees in order to orientate
57
the local Y axis of the IPE cross section along the Z global axis. Moreover, make sure that the
option Split Intersecting Members is checked, to create the three beams along X axis with only
two clicks of the mouse: at joints 2 and 8. The beam from joint 2 to joint 8, will be split into three
parts, between joints 2, 4, 6 and 8, since joints 4 and 6 (columns at positions B-1 and C-1) intersect
this member.
Then you have to define the Ending Point (x,y,z) so click at joint 8, as shown in the picture above.
Members 9, 10 and 11 will be created.
Since the command is still active, you are promted to enter the Starting Point (x,y,z), repeat the
same procedure by clicking on joint 10 (top of column at position A-2), check Split Intersecting
Members and then click at joint 16 (top of column at position D-2). Members 12, 13 and 14 will
be created.
58
Step #10. Enter the beams, along Y axis. The command Generate Beams should be still active, else
you can call it again by clicking again on the icon . The prompt message Starting Point
(x,y,z) appears, asking you to enter the coordinates or click on a specific point on screen. Click on
the Joint 2, that is the top of column at position A-1, keep the same settings as in the previous
step, regarding the cross section and Beta angle, but do NOT click on Split Intersecting Members.
In order to define the Ending Point (x,y,z) click at joint 10 (top of column at position A-2). Member
15 is generated.
Repeat the same procedure by clicking on the joints 4 and 12 to generate member 16, joints 6
and 14 to generate member 17 and joints 8 and 16 to generate member 18. Then, press ESC to
terminate the command.
59
Step #11. Create an arc on the right side of the structure:
Type ARC and
- in order to Specify start point of arc or

[Center]: click on joint 8,
- to Specify second point of arc or [Center/End]:
type 19,-2 and press <ENTER> and
- to define the end point of arc: click on joint
16.
Step #12. Generate Members along the Arc: Click on the icon and when the prompt
message Select Curve (Line or Arc) appears, click on the Arc that you have created in the previous
step.
60
The Select Mesh Properties form appears
where you have to enter:
- Material : Steel
- Beta Angle: 90
- Section: IPE330
- Spacing U Direction: Uniform 8
This command is going to generate 8 linear

members equally spaced along the arc.
You can press Preview button to see the

members as they will be generated.
Press the Create button and 8 members,

named 19 to 26, were created and 9 joints,
named 17 to 25 were created along the arc.
Note that joints 17 and 25 are created on the

top of joints 16 and 8 correspondingly. Later
on, they are going to be merged together by
deleting duplicate joints.
Step #13. Hide Grid: Since the Grid is no longer needed it can be hidden using AutoCAD commands
to freeze the layer GRID_LAYER. This can be done by clicking on the Home Tab and then selecting
the GRID_LAYER from the drop down list of layers and clicking on its freeze icon.
61
Step #14. Turn OFF labeling:
Click on the icon in the ribbon bar and

then uncheck the Visible Labels option for Joints,
Members and 2D Elements.
Now labeling is turned off and it is easier and faster to

control the model.
Note: You can also delete or hide the Arc line as it is no longer needed.
Step #15. Mirror the structure: Switch to a floor pan view, by pressing the TOP of AutoCADs View
Cube.
Then, type MIRROR and when you get the notification Maintain incidence order (Yes/No). Press
Yes to maintain the local coordinate system when mirroring.
NOTE: This option is very useful when mirroring structures having shell finite elements and the
mirror line lies along the elements XY plane. If you choose to maintain the incidence order, then
after the mirroring the local Z axis of the source and copied finite elements have the same
orientation.
You are then immediately prompted to Select objects: select the right part of the structure, but
not the members and joints that are on the mirror line. In order to make this selection, make the
1st and the 2nd click of the mouse at the points 1 and 2 as shown in the picture below and press
<ENTER>. You will get a confirmation that 44 objects were found (or 45 if you still have the arc).
When you get the message Specify second point of mirror line, click on the joints at points 3 and
4 as shown in the picture above.
Then, press <ENTER> and reply to the question Erase source objects? [Yes/No] <N>: , so as not
to delete the right part of the structure. The structure after the mirror command will look like the
following picture:
62
Step #16. Switch to 3D View: Press the house icon to change the view to Isometric, and type Z and
E (Zoom, Extents). Click on the icon to set different colors for each profile.
Press OK to close the Color Options Dialog. Each cross section will now have a different color .
Press the icon to display the 3D solid view of the model, replacing the wireframe view:
Press the icon to switch back to wireframe view to be able to process CAD Modelers
and AutoCADs commands faster.
63
Step #17. Save your Model: In order to save your model just use AutoCADs save command and
store the DWG using any filename that you want.
3.5. Create the 2nd floor

Step #18. Copy the members and joints of the 1st floor to the 2nd: Type the command COPY and
when asked to Select objects: type ALL, so that everything is selected. You will get a verification
that 101 objects were found and then press <ENTER>.
In order to Specify base point or [Displacement/mOde] <Displacement>, click at the base of any
column such as point 1 in the picture above.
In order to Specify second point or [Array] <use first point as displacement>: click at the top of the
same column such as point 2 of the picture and then press <ENTER> in order to terminate the
copy function.
All entities of floor 1 are now copied to floor 2.
Step #19. Correct the Z coordinates of the 2nd floor: The copied columns are 4.00m long, since
they were copied from the 1st floor. In addition, the Z coordinate of the beams is equal to 8.00m
instead of 7.00m. Therefore, all copied joints that have Z coordinate equal to 8.00m should be
moved 1.00m lower.
Switch to FRONT View, by clicking on AutoCADs view cube.
64
Type MOVE in order to initiate AutoCADs move command and when asked to Select objects, click
on points 1 and 2, as shown in the picture below, selecting all the entities that belong to the top
of the 2nd floor. You will get a notification that 77 objects were found and press <ENTER>.
In order to Specify base point or [Displacement] <Displacement>: click ANYWHERE on the screen.
It makes no difference where you click since relative coordinates will be use to define the
displacement.
In order to Specify second point or <use first point as displacement>: type @0,0,-1 and press
<ENTER>.
Now the height of the 2nd floor is correct and equal to 3.00 meters.
Note that you can reach the same result by switching to the 2nd Level using the icon
and start entering the columns one-by-one, as you did in the 1st Level. Columns
will then have the correct height (3.00m), since the height of the second Level is defined equal to
3.00m when the levels were defined in a previous step. Then, copy only the beams from the 1st
Level to the correct position. However, it is somewhat faster to copy everything and then fix the
Z coordinate with a simple MOVE command as you did in the previous steps.
3.6. Create the 3rd floor

Step #20. Copy the members and joints of the 2nd floor to the 3rd : Type the command COPY and
when asked to Select objects: click on the same two points that were used in the previous MOVE
command as shown in the following figure.
65
Since this is a crossing window, the columns are automaticallly selected. You will get a notification
that 77 objects were found and press <ENTER>.
In order to Specify base point or [Displacement] <Displacement>: click ANYWHERE on the screen.
It makes no difference where you click since relative coordinates will be used to define the
displacement.
In order to Specify second point or <use first point as displacement>: type @0,0,3 and press
<ENTER>.
Now the 2nd floor is copied to the 3rd one. There is no need to correct the Z coordinates as was
done when the 2nd floor was moved since the second and third levels have the same height.
66
Step #21. Assign Level Properties:
Since all members were created from Level 1 using COPY

commands, all of them belong to level 1 and their correct
Level property should be assigned.
Click at icon , check the option Update Levels for

All Entities and press OK.
Now every Member or Joint has the correct Level property

depending on its Z coordinate.
You can switch between the levels of the model using the
and icons. The current
level appears in the top caption of AutoCADs screen.
You can make whole structure visible by clicking on the

icon .
Step #22. View and Save your model: Press the house icon to change the view to Isometric, and
type Z and E (Zoom, Extents).
Press the icon to display the 3D solid view of the model, replacing the wireframe view as
shown in the following figure:
67
Save your model, using a different file name (Save As). By saving your model with a different
name each time, it is easier to back up to a previous state of the model.
3.7. Create bracing

Step #23. Place bracing members at the front:
Click at icon , check the

visible property for level 1 and
uncheck it for all other levels and
press OK.
Now only Level 1 is visible and it is easier to add the bracing members.
68
Click on the icon and click on the
joint located at Point 1 of the following image.
Select 60x60x5 as the cross section and make

sure that Material is set to Steel, Releases to
Fix-Fix and Beta angle is 0.
Click on joint located at Point 2, and the first

bracing member is created.
Click again on joint located at Point 2 and keep

the same properties for GTS Member as
defined before
Click on the joint located at Point 3, and the

second bracing member is created.
Click on the joint located at Point 4 and keep the same properties for GTS Member.
Click on the joint located at Point 5, and the third bracing member is created.
Click again on the joint located at Point 5 and keep the same properties for GTS Member.
Click on the joint located at Point 6, and the fourth bracing member is created.
69
Press ESC to terminate the Generate Beam command.
Step #24. Change the properties of the Bracing Members: Click on the icon in the
Members panel and when asked to Select objects: click on the 4 bracing members created in a
previous Step and press <ENTER>.
The Member Properties [Multiple Selection] form is displayed. Now, change the type to SPACE
TRUSS and press OK.
70
This modification applies to all selected members.
Step #25. Copy bracing member to the back: Type COPY and when asked to Select objects: click
on the 4 bracing members created in a previous Step and press <ENTER>.
In order to define Specify base point or [Displacement/mOde] <Displacement>: click on the Joint
at Point 1 of the following image.
In order to define Specify second point or [Array] <use first point as displacement>: click on the
Joint at Point 2 inf the image on the next page.
Press ESC to terminate the COPY command.
71
Step #26. View and Save your model: Press the icon to display the 3D solid view as shown
in the following image:
72
Save your model, using a different file name (Save As).
Make the entire structure visible by clicking on the icon .
Click on the icon to switch back to the wireframe view.
3.8. Create girders

Step #27. Split the beam members at the top level: Clicking on the icon move to
level 3. The current level is displayed at the top caption of AutoCAD:
Click on the icon and click on the members A and B as shown at the following image, and
then press <ENTER>.
In order to define the Distance for spliting the member or the number of parts (negative number),
enter -8 , so that the beams A and B will be split into 8 equal parts.
Click again on the icon and click on the members C and D as shown at the following
image, and then press <ENTER>.
In order to define the Distance for spliting the member or the number of parts (negative number),
enter -4 , so that the beams C and D will be split into 4 equal parts.
73
Step #28. Place girder members at the top level: Click on the icon and click on joint
located at the point 1 of the following image.
Select IPE120 as the cross section and make

sure that Material is set to Steel, Releases to
Fix-Fix and Beta angle is 90.
Click on the joint at point 2 and the girder

member is generated.
Having the command still active, click on the

joints at points 3 and 4 and another girder
member is generated.
Continue by clicking on joints at points 5 and 6

and another girder member is generated.
Continue by clicking on joints at points 7 and 8

and another girder member is generated.
Continue by clicking on joints at points 9 and 10 and another girder member is generated.
74
Click on the joint located at point 15 and check

the option Split Intersecting Members, so that
common joints will be created along the
previously created X-direction girders.
Click on joint at point 16 and the girder

member is generated. Existing girders are
split.
Click on the joint located at point 17 and check

the option Split Intersecting Members.
Click on the joint at point 18 and the girder

member is generated. Existing girders are
split.
Click on the joint located at point 19 and check the option Split Intersecting Members.
Click on the joint at point 20 and the girder member is generated. Existing girders are split.
75
Press ESC to terminate the Generate Beam Command.
76
Step #29. Add eccentricities to the Girders: Press the icon to display the 3D solid view:
Click on the Top Icon on AutoCADs View Cube to switch to the top view in order to be able to
select girder members easily.
Click on the icon and when asked to Select objects: click on the 2 Points of the following
image, to select all girder members, and press <ENTER>.
77
The Member Properties [Multiple Selection] form is displayed so you may now specify member
eccentricities.
Enter 0.25 for the Z Starting Eccentricity

and 0.25 as the Z Ending Eccentricity.
Press OK.
Now the deformable axis of the girder

members has been moved 0.25m up in the
Z direction.
Switch back to the isometric view by clicking on the House icon on AutoCADs view Cube to see
the result. The girder members now sit on the upper flange of the beam members.
78
3.9. Create an opening
Step #30. Delete a joint to create an opening: Select the Joint Located in Point A of the image
above and press the DEL key.
Warning: All structural entities (members, elements, etc) connected to this Joint will also be
deleted? (Yes/No) appears and continue by pressing Y and <ENTER>.
The Joint is deleted together with all members connected to the joint.
79
3.10. Create Supports
Step #31. Support the joints at the base of the model:
Make the entire structure visible by clicking on the icon and press Z and E (Zoom Extents).
Switch to the FRONT View, by clicking on Front on AutoCADs view cube.
Click on the icon and select the window by clicking at points 1 and 2 in the following
image. All the bottom joints are selected and press OK to finish the selection.
80
The Joint Properties [Multiple Selection]
form appears.
Select Pin using Quick Selection, and Fx, Fy

and Fz are automatically checked.
Press OK.
All the bottom joints are now pinned and

have an orange color instead of green to
indicate that they are supported.
3.11. Check the model

Step #32. Check for duplicate joints: In order to check for joints having the same coordinates, click
on the icon under the panel.
For the Merge Accuracy <0.001000>, just press <ENTER> to accept the default value.
The Merge Joints form appears where you can see the list of joints having the same coordinates.
Make sure that Merge option is checked for all pairs and press OK.
By entering the same command again, for the 2nd time, you should get the notification that 0
duplicate joints found .
Step #33. Check for floating joints: In order to check for joints not connected to the model, click
on the icon under the panel. If your model was
created as described so far, you should get a notification 0 floating joints found.
3.12. Define Groups

Step #34. Create Group Names: It is optional to define Groups in your model but it is strongly
recomended to do so since it will be easier to control the display and selection for parts of your
structure.
81
Click on the icon in the Groups panel and the Group dialog appears.
Press the Add Group button and enter Columns as Name of the group.
Press the Add Group button and enter Beams as Name of the group.
Press the Add Group button and enter Girders as Name of the group.
Press the Add Group button and enter Bracing as Name of the group.
Press OK to close the form.
Step #35. Add Columns to their Group.
Click on the icon

and make only
profiles HE320B visible by
unckecking all others.
Press OK.
Click on the icon in the Groups

panel and make sure that the Group Columns
is selected as the active group.
Select everything on the screen in a full

window and press the Enter key.
82
To verify that the group is applied correctly,
you can double click on a column and in the
Member Properties form, you will be able to
see its Group definition.
Step #36. Add Beams to their Group:
Click on the icon

and make only
profiles IPE330 visible by
Press OK.
Click on the icon and make

sure that the Group Beams is selected as the
active group.
Select everything on the screen. in a full

window. and press the Enter key.
Step #37. Add Girders to their Group:
Click on the icon

and make only
profiles IPE120 visible by
Press OK.
83
sure that the Group Girders is selected as the
active group.

Step #38. Add Bracing to their Group:
Click on the icon

and make only
profiles 60x60x5 to be
visible by unckecking all
others.
Press OK.

sure that the Group Bracing is selected as the
active group.

3.13. Define Loads

Step #39. Define Self Weight: Click on the icon and the Self Weight dialog appears.
Enter:
- SW as Name
- Self Weight as the Load Description
- Negative Z as the Global Axis for the direction of the load
- 1.0 as Factor
- Check Include finite elements
and press Create New to create the new loading and then Exit to close the dialog.
84
Step #40. Define Load Cases: Click on the icon and the Load dialog appears.
Enter:
- LL as Name
- Live Load as the Load Description
and press Create New.
Enter:
- PL as Name
- Point Load as the Load Description
85
Press Exit to close the dialog.
Step #41. Apply Live Loads: Live Loads will be applied only to Beam Members, therefore click on
the icon . Select the 2nd Tab in order to colorize members by their group and make only
the Group Beams visible and press OK.
Click on the icon , under panel. Using a full window, select all
entities that appear on screen and press <ENTER> to finish with the selection.
The Member Properties [Multiple Selection] form appears having the tab Member Loads active.
Click on LL at the Empty Load Cases list box and then enter
- Uniform as the Load Distribution

- Force as Load Type
- Z Global as Direction
- -5 as V1
- Fractional as Location
- 0.0 as L1
- 1.0 as L2
Press Create New and the number 125 appears next to the $ symbol the Empty Load Cases list
box. This is a notification that 125 members are loaded in Load Case LL.
86
Press OK to close the dialog.
By double clicking on one beam and then selecting the Member Loads tab and clicking on LL at
the Applied Load Cases List Box, you will be able to view and edit the existing loading values of
the specific beam.
Click on the icon , select the 1st Tab in order to colorize members by their section and
then select everything to be visible and press OK.
Step #42. View Live Loads: Click at the icon to switch to the wireframe view.
In the menu bar, click on GTS Display>Member Loads and the Display Loads form appears:
87
Select LL as the Load case and leave the other
display options at their default values.
Press Show and the loading arrows are

displayed.
Click on Clear when you are done and Close to

exit from the dialog.
88
Click at the icon to display the 3D solid view.
Step #43. Apply Joint Load: A Joint load will be applied to the Joint located at Point A of the
following image.
Zoom closer to the specific point using AutoCADs zooming functions.
Click on the icon under the panel, click on the joint at A and press
<ENTER> to finish with the selection.
The Joint Properties [Multiple Selection]form appears having the tab Joint Loads active.
Click on PL in the Empty Load Cases list box and then enter -3 for Force Z as shown in the Joint
Properties form on the next page.
Press Create New, and the number 1 appears next to the $ symbol in the Load Cases list box. This
is a notification that 1 joint is loaded under the Load Case PL.
89
Step #44. View Joint Load: Click at the icon to switch to wireframe view.
In the menu bar, click on GTS Display>Jont Loads and the Display Loads form appears:
90
Select PL as the Load case and leave the
other display options at their default values.
Press Show and the loading arrows are

displayed.
Click on Clear when you are done and Close

to exit from the dialog.
Click at the icon to display the 3D solid view.
Step #45. Define Area Load for Level 1: An area load equal to 1.0kN/m2 along the vertical direction
will be applied to whole level. Switch to Level 1 by clicking on the icon untill Level
1 is displayed.
Click on the icon under the panel.
91
Type:
- AL1 as Name
- Area Load Level 1 as Description
- 1.0 as Load Value
- Z as Global Direction
- 4.0 as Elevation (the elevation of level
1)
- Two way as Distribution
Press Display >> and the loaded areas that

were automaticaly detected are displayed in
yellow solid hatch, as shown below.
Press Clear to remove the solid hatch pattern and then OK to store the area load AL1.
92
Step #46. Define Area Load for Level 3: An area load equal to 1.0kN/m2 along the vertical direction
will be applied only to the two middle oppenings. Switch to Level 3 by clicking on the icon
untill Level 3 is displayed.
Click on the icon under the panel.
Type:
- AL3 as Name
- Area Load Level 3 as Description
- 1.0 as Load Value
- Z as Global Direction
- 10.0 as Elevation (the elevation of
level 3)
- Two way as Distribution
Press Define Outline Region >> and you are

promted to select the members that define
the outline region of the area load. Click on
the 6 members at the perimeter of the two
middle openings, as shown at the image
below.
93
Press Display >> and the loaded area will be displayed in yellow solid hatch, as shown below.
Press Clear to remove the solid hatch pattern and then OK to store the area load AL3.
94
Step #47. Define Load Combinations: Click on the icon and the Load Combination
dialog appears. Enter:
- CB1 as Name
- Load Combination 1 for the Description of the Load Combination
- Click on SW, Enter 1.35 as the factor and press ADD>>
- Click on LL, Enter 1.5 as the factor and press ADD>>
- Click on PL, Enter 1.5 as the factor and press ADD>>
- Press Store
- Press Done to close the dialog.
95
3.14. GT STRUDL Input File
Step #48. Create GTI: Click on the icon and the Create GT STRUDL Input file dialog
appears. Keep the default GTI filename, check all options except Read Finite Element Results as
shown in the following image and press OK.
Step #49. View/Edit GTI: Click on the icon and the GTI file created in the previous step
will be opened by the systems default text editor.
Step #50. Execute GT STRUDL: Click on the icon and the GTI file created in
the previous step will be sent to GT STRUDL main program that is waiting in the background.
Stiffness analysis is automaticaly performed and DBX result files are automaticaly created.
96
In order to demonstrate the use of the command that reads back design results, add the following
commands into GT STRUDL main window (note that the steel design Parameters are incomplete)
PARAMETERS
CODE EC3 ALL MEMBERS
CHECK ALL MEMBERS AS BEAM
WRITE REPLACE CODE MEMBERS EXISTING
The result of the CHECK ALL MEMBERS command shown above is that members 148 149
150 151 152 153 154 155 FAILED CODE CHECKS
In addition, you can enter GTMenu to view the model and the results as described in the GTMenu
User Guide. After selecting the View button and checking Z-Up, and then selecting View 1, the
structure is displayed in GTMenu as shown below.
Step #51. Read Results from GT STRUDL: In CAD Modeler, click on the icon
and the Read GT.STRUDL Results dialog appears. Check all options
except Read Finite Element Results as shown below and press OK.
97
3.15. Display Results
Step #52. Display Displacements: In the menu bar, click on (ribbon tab GTS
Display) and then select SW as load Case and press ENTER twice. The deformed structure will be
drawn as shown below.
98
Repeat and select PL as the Load Case and the deformed structure appears as shown in the
following image:
99
Click on (ribbon tab GTS Display) to return to the original undeformed position
of the model.
Step #53. Display Code Check Results: Click on (ribbon tab GTS Display).
The following image is drawn with the bracing members that failed the check (149 to 155)
appearing in red and members that passed the check appearing in blue.
100
Step #54. Display Member Diagrams: Click on the icon to switch back to the wireframe
view. Click on (ribbon tab GTS Display).
101
Select:
- SW as Load Case
- MZ Moment as Value to be displayed
- 0.3 as Scale Factor
- 10.00 as Font Size (default)
Press Display >> and zoom at the upper left

end of the structure as shown in the image
below.
Press Annotate > and click on any part of the

yellow MZ Moment curve and then at the
position that you want the annotation to be
displayed.
Press on Legend > and click at any part of the

screen to place the legend of the diagram.
102
4. Tutorial Example #2
4.1. Introduction
The modeling and analysis of the tank shown below is demonstrated in a step-by-step process
using CAD Modeler and GT STRUDL finite element analysis.
103
4.2. Open CAD Modeler and start working
Step #1. Launch GT STRUDL by selecting the icon CAD Modeler in the Welcome to GT STRUDL
dialog shown below. The version of AutoCAD selected during the installation will be automatically
launched, together with CAD Modelers menus and ribbon bar.
4.3. Define the basic geometry of the model

Step #2. Define the correct Units by pressing the icon and select Meters (m) and
KiloNewtons in the Units Form.
104
Step #3. Create an AutoCAD Polyline that will describe the outline of the tank. Type the following
commands at the command prompt (each command is followed by an <ENTER>):
PLINE
0,0,0
@10,0
ARC
@4,4
@-4,4
LINE
@-10,0
CLOSE
The polyline shown in the picture below is created after entering Zoom and Extents at the
command prompt.
105
Step #4. Create a Line along the height of the tank: Switch to the isometric view of the structure
by pressing the small house icon in AutoCADs View Cube.
Type the following commands at the command prompt (each

command is followed by an <ENTER>):
LINE
0,0,0
@0,0,4
<ENTER>
The line shown at the picture below is created.
Click on the TOP icon of the AutoCADs View Cube in order to

switch back to floor plan view.
106
4.4. Create the bottom of the tank
Step #5. Generate the Finite Elements inside the polyline, at the bottom of the Tank: Click on the
icon and when the prompt message Poly Select Boundary Polyline or Circle appears,
click on the Polyline that you have created in the previous step.
107
- Material : Concrete
- Type: SBHT6, meaning triangular
elements having 6 degrees of
freedom per node
- Thickness: 0.20
- Boundary Maximum Edge Size: 0.50
- Mesh Quality: High
You can press the Preview button to see the

finite elements as they will be generated.
Press the Create button to create the finite

elements and joints on the bottom of the
tank.
108
Step #6. Turn OFF labeling and view mesh:
Click on the icon in the ribbon bar and

then uncheck the Visible Labels option for Joints,
Members and 2D Elements.
Now labeling is turned off and it is easier and faster to

control the model.
The finite element mesh, without labeling, is shown in the image below.
4.5. Create the walls of the tank

Step #7. Generate the finite elements that will model the Wall of the Tank by extruding the
polyline: Click on the icon (Note: the display of joints and elements previously
created is automatically turned off to make selection of the polyline and extrude line easier).
When the prompt message Select Line, Arc, Circle or PolyLine to be Extruded appears, click on the
Polyline that you have created in a previous step, as shown in the following picture (Click #1).
109
When the prompt message Select Extrude Direction Curve (Line or Arc)appears, click on the line
that you have created in a previous step, as shown in the picture below (Click #2).
110
- Material : Concrete
- Type: SBHQ6, meaning quad
elements having 6 degrees of
freedom per node
- Thickness: 0.2
- Boundary Maximum Edge Size: 0.5
(Note: This must be the same as when
the mesh in the bottom of the tank
was created so the mesh will be the
same along the polyline)
- Spacing Extrude Direction: Uniform
and select 8 spaces in the pulldown
You can press the Preview button to see the

finite elements as they will be generated.
Press the Create button to generate the finite

elements and joints on the wall of the tank
The finite element mesh is presented in the

following image.
111
Step #8. Check for duplicate joints: Since both meshing functions described above generated
joints along the polyline, pairs of joints having the same coordinates exist in the model and they
have to be merged together. In order to check for joints having the same coordinates, click on the
icon under the panel.
The Merge Joints form appears where you can see the list of joints having the same coordinates.
Make sure that Merge option is checked for all joint pairs and press OK.
112
By entering the same command again for the 2nd time, you should get the notification that 0
duplicate joints found .
Step #9. Switch to 3D View: Press the house icon to change the view to Isometric, and type Z and
E (Zoom, Extents). Click on the icon to set a different color for 2D finite elements.
When the Display Options form appears, click on the white button next to 2D Element, to define
a different color. Using this form you can also define Object Sizes in the current length units.
113
114
Press OK to close the Color Options Dialog. The elements will now have the color that you
selected.
Press the icon to display the 3D solid view of the model, replacing the wireframe view:
115
Step #10. Save your Model: In order to save your model, use AutoCADs save command and store
the DWG using any filename that you want.
4.6. Create Supports

Step #11. Support the joints at the base of the model:
Click on the icon and select the window by clicking at points 1 and 2 in the following
image. All the bottom joints are selected and press OK to finish the selection.
116
The Joint Properties [Multiple Selection]
form appears.
Using the Quick Selection, select Pin and

note that Fx, Fy and Fz are automatically
checked.
Press OK.
Press the house icon to change the view to

Isometric, and type Z and E (Zoom, Extents).
All the bottom joints are now pinned and have an orange color instead of green to indicate that
they are supported.
117
4.7. Check the model
Step #12. Check for duplicate joints: In order to check for joints having the same coordinates, click
on the icon under the panel.
You should get the notification that 0 duplicate joints found .
Step #13. Check for floating joints: In order to check for joints not connected to the model, click
on the icon under the panel. If your model was
created as described so far, you should get a notification that 0 floating joints found.
Step #14. View Planar Axes for Finite Elements: In order to check the direction of the planar axes
of the Finite elements, click on the icon in the GTS Display Ribbon area and
then Enter Legend Coordinates(x,y,z): or click at the point where you want the legend to be
displayed.
and its arrowhead is controlled by the value given in Display Options > Object Sizes > Load
Arrowhead and the size of the legend font is controlled by the value given in Display Options >
118
4.8. Define Groups
Step #15. Create Group Names: It is optional to define Groups in your model but it is strongly
recomended to do so since it will be easier to control the display and selection for parts of your
structure.
In the Group panel, click on the icon and the Group dialog appears.
119
Press the Add Group button and enter Bottom as Name of the group.
Press the Add Group button and enter Wall as Name of the group.
Press OK to close the form.
Step #16. Add the elements in the bottom of the tank to the Group Bottom:
Click on the icon in the Group

panel and make sure that the Group Bottom is
selected as the active group.
Make a selection by clicking at the points 1

and 2 of the following image and press the
Enter key.
All the shell elements located in the bottom of the tank are now selected and added to group
Bottom.
Step #17. Add the elements in the tank wall to the Group Wall.
Click on the icon and make sure

that the Group Wall is selected as the active
group.
Make a selection by clicking at the points 1

and 2 of the following image and press the
Enter key.
120
All shell elements located in the wall of the
tank are now selected and added to group
Wall.
To verify that the group is applied correctly,

you can double click on a element in the wall
and in the Shell Properties form, you will be
able to see its Group definition in the Shell
Properties form.
Press the house icon to change the view to Isometric, and type Z and E (Zoom, Extents).
Click at the icon to display the 3D solid view as shown in the following image and save your
model.
121
4.9. Define Loads
Step #18. Define Self Weight: Click on the icon and the Self Weight dialog appears.
Enter:
- SW as Name
- Self Weight as the Load Description
- Negative Z as the Global Axis for the direction of the load
- 1.0 as Factor
- Check Include finite elements
and press Create New to create the new loading and then Exit to close the dialog.
122
Step #19. Define Load Cases: Click on the icon and the Load dialog appears.
Enter:
- LL as Name
- Live Load as the Load Description
Enter:
- PL as Name
- Pressure Load as the Load Description
123
Press Exit to close the dialog.
Step #20. Apply Live Loads: Live Loads will be applied only to the bottom of the tank , therefore
click on the icon . Select the 2nd Tab in order to colorize elements by their group and
make only the Group Bottom visible and press OK.
Click on the icon under the panel. Using a full window, select all
The Shell Properties [Multiple Selection] form appears having the tab Element Loads active.
Click on LL at the Empty Load Cases list box and then enter:
- Surface as the Force Type

- Z as Direction
- Global as System
- Uniform as Load Distribution
- -40 as v1
box. This is a notification that 476 elements are loaded in Load Case LL.
124
By double clicking on one element and then selecting the Element Loads tab and clicking on LL at
the Applied Load Cases List Box, you will be able to view and edit the existing loading values of
the specific shell.
Step #21. Apply Pressure Load: Pressure Load will be applied only toelements in the Group Wall,
therefore click on the icon . Select the 2nd Tab in order to colorize elements by their
group and make only the Group Wall visible and press OK.
Click on the icon , under the panel. Using a full window, select all
The Shell Properties [Multiple Selection] form appears having the tab Element Loads active.
Click on PL at the Empty Load Cases list box and then enter:
125
- Surface as the Force Type
- Z as Direction
- Local as System
- Uniform as Load Distribution
- 5 as v1
box. This is a notification that 656 elements are loaded in Load Case PL.
Click on the icon . Select the 2nd Tab and make everything visible.
Step #22. Define a Load Combination: Click on the icon and the Load Combination
dialog appears. Enter:
- CB1 as Name
- Load Combination 1 for the Description of the Load Combination
- Click on SW, Enter 1.3 as the factor and press ADD>>
- Click on LL, Enter 1.5 as the factor and press ADD>>
- Click on PL, Enter 1.1 as the factor and press ADD>>
- Press Store
- Press Done to close the dialog.
126
4.10. Create GT STRUDL Input File
Step #23. Create GTI: Click on the icon and the Create GT STRUDL Input file dialog
appears. Keep the default GTI filename, check the options Perform Stiffness Analysis, Read
Joint Displacements and Read Finite Element Results as shown in the following image and
press OK.
127
Step #24. View/Edit GTI: Click on the icon and the GTI file created in the previous step
will be opened by the systems default text editor.
Step #25. Execute GT STRUDL: Click on the icon and the GTI file created in
the previous step will be sent to GT STRUDL main program that is waiting in the background.
Stiffness analysis is automaticaly performed and DBX result files are automaticaly created.
In addition, you can enter GTMENU to view the solid model and the results as described in the
GTMENU User Guide. You can also click on Display > Results > Finite Element Results > Contour
Sresses, Strains, Displacement and display MXX Bending Resultants for load case PL as shown in
the following figures
128
129
Step #26. Read Results from GT STRUDL: Click on the icon and the Read
GT.STRUDL Results dialog appears. Check the options Read Joint Displacements and Read
Finite Element Results as shown below and press OK.
You will get the following error message at the command prompt:
ERROR Loading Results: The following DBX files cannot be found:
STDBX34 - Strains
STDBX37 - Principal Strains
This message informs you that no Strain results are available to be loaded. You can ignore this
message, since the elements used (SBHQ6) do not give strains as output results.
130
4.11. Display Results
Step #27. Show Displacements: In the menu bar, click on GTS Display>Deformed Structure and
then select PL as the load Case and press ENTER twice. The deformed structure will be drawn as
shown below.
In the menu bar, click on GTS Display>Undeformed Structure to return to the original undeformed
position of the model.
Step #28. Show Finite Element Results: In the menu bar, click on GTS Display>Element Results and
the Element Results Form appears.
131
Select:
- PL as Load Case
- Resultants as the Type of element
result
- Mxx as the Moment Resultant to
display
- Middle as position (Resultants are
only available for the middle surface
of a 2D finite element)
and press Display >>
The multi-colored contour image of the structure is displayed and each color corresponds to a
range of Mxx values as shown in the Legend Form.
132
In the menu bar, click on GTS Display>Clear Results Layer and the Legend Form is hidden.
133
5. Appendix List of Commands
Command Icon Menu Command Prompt Link

Units GTS Modeling>Units GTSUnits 2.5.1
Materials GTS Modeling>Materials GTSMaterials 2.5.2
Sections GTS Modeling>Cross GTSParams 2.5.3

Sections>Table
Prismatic GTS Modeling>Cross GTSPrismatic 2.5.3

-
Sections Sections>Prismatic
Levels GTS Modeling>Levels GTSLevels 2.5.4
Higher Level - GTSLevelUp 2.5.4
Lower Level - GTSLevelDown 2.5.4
Grid GTS Modeling>Grid>Create GTSGrid 2.5.5
Change Grid GTS GTSGridChange 2.5.5

Modeling>Grid>Change
Generate GTS GTSJoint 2.5.6

Joint Modeling>Joint>Generate
Joint
At Level GTS GTSJointLevel 2.5.6

(Joint) Modeling>Joint>Generate
Joint at Level
Find (Joint) GTS Modeling>Joint>Find GTSFJID 2.5.7
Support GTS GTSJointSupport 2.5.8

Modeling>Joint>Support
Change GTS GTSJointChange 2.5.9

(Joint) Modeling>Joint>Change
Locate GTS GTSCheckDuplicateJoints 2.5.10

Duplicates Modeling>Checks>Check
for Duplicate Joints
Locate GTS GTSCheckFloatingJoints 2.5.11

Floating Modeling>Checks>Check
for Floating Joints
Generate GTS Modeling> GTSBeam 2.5.12

(Member) Members>Generate Beam
Members
Vertical GTS Modeling> GTSColumn 2.5.12

(Member) Member>Generate Vertical
Member
Find GTS GTSFMID 2.5.13

(Member) Modeling>Member>Find
134
Split GTS GTSSplitMember 2.5.14
(Member) Modeling>Member>Split
Member
Merge GTS Modeling> GTSMergeMembers 2.5.15

(Member) Member>Merge Members
Change GTS Modeling> GTSBeamChange 2.5.16

(Member) Member>Change
Generate GTS GTSShell 2.5.18

Quad Modeling>Shell>Generate
quad at joints
Generate GTS GTSShellT 2.5.18

Triangle Modeling>Shell>Generate
triangle at joints
Reverse GTS Modeling>Shell> GTSShellReverse 2.5.19

Incidence Reverse Incidence Order
Order
Find (Shell) GTS Modeling>Shell>Find GTSFeid 2.5.20
Change GTS GTSShellChange 2.5.21

(Shell) Modeling>Shell>Generate
triangle at joints
1D Curve GTS Modeling>Mesh GTSMesh1D 2.5.22

(Meshing) Generation>1D Along Line
or Curve or Circle
2D 2Curves GTS Modeling>Mesh GTSMesh2D2L 2.5.23

(Meshing) Generation>2D Between 2
Lines or Curves

Lines or Curves
2D Area GTS Modeling>Mesh GTSMesh2DPoly 2.5.25

Lines or Curves
3D Extrude GTS Modeling>Mesh GTSExtrudePoly 2.5.26

(Meshing) Generation>3D Extrude
PolyLine

Lines or Curves
List (Group) GTS GTSGroups 2.5.28

Modeling>Groups>Manage
+Joints GTS GTSGroupJoints 2.5.28

(Group) Modeling>Groups>Add
Joints
+Members GTS GTSGroupMembers 2.5.28

Members
135
+Shells GTS GTSGroupShells 2.5.28
Shells
Self Weight GTS Modeling>Loads>Self GTSSelfWeight 2.5.29

Weight
Load Cases GTS Modeling>Loads>Load GTSNewLoadCase 2.5.30

Cases
Load GTS Modeling>Loads>Load GTSLoadCombination 2.5.35

Combinations Combinations
Joint Load GTS Modeling>Loads>Joint GTSJointLoad 2.5.31

Load
Member GTS GTSBeamLoad 2.5.32

Load Modeling>Loads>Member
Load
Shell Load GTS Modeling>Loads>Shell GTSShellLoad 2.5.33

Load
Area Load GTS Modeling>Loads>Area GTSAreaLoad 2.5.34

Load
Create GTI GTS Modeling>Create GTSExportGTI 2.5.36

GT.STRUDL GTI
Edit GTI GTS Modeling>Edit GTSEditGTI 2.5.37

GT.STRUDL GTI
Execute GTI GTS Modeling>Edit GTSExecuteGTI 2.5.38

GT.STRUDL GTI
Read GTS Modeling>Read GTSResultsGTI 2.5.39

GTSTRUDL GTSTRUDL Results
Results
Import GTI GTS Modeling> GTSGTIRead 2.5.40

-
Import>GT.STRUDL GTI
Set View GTS Display>Set View GTSSetView 2.5.41
3D View GTS Display>3D Sections GTSSet3D 2.5.42
Frame View GTS Display>Frame GTSSet1D 2.5.42
All (View) GTS Display>Whole GTSSetAllVisible 2.5.42

Structure
Options GTS Display>Options GTSDisplay 2.5.44

(View)
Colors GTS Display>Colors GTSColorView 2.5.43
Annotate GTS Display>Annotate GTSAnnotate 2.5.45
Select - GTSSelect 2.5.46
Display GTS Display>Member Local GTSDisplayLocalAxes 2.5.47

Member Axes
Local Axes
136
Display Shell GTS Display> Shell Planar GTSDisplayPlanarAxes 2.5.48
Planar Axes Axes
Display Joint GTS Display> Joint GTSDisplaySupports 2.5.49

Supports Supports
Display Joint GTS Display>Joint Loads GTSDisplayJointLoads 2.5.50

Loads
Display GTS Display>Member GTSDisplayMemberLoads 2.5.51

Member Loads
Loads
Display Area GTS Display>Area Loads GTSDisplayAreaLoads 2.5.52

Loads
Deformed GTS Display>Deformed GTSDisplayJointDisplacements 2.5.53

Structure Structure
Undeformed GTS Display> Udeformed GTSDisplayJointDisplacements 2.5.53

Structure Structure
Member GTS Display>Member GTSDisplayMemberForces 2.5.54

Diagrams Diagrams
Finite GTS Display>Element GTSDisplayElementResults 2.5.55

Element Results
Results
Finite GTS Display>Element GTSDisplayElementResultsSel 2.5.56

Element Results Selection
Results
Selection
Member GTS Display>Member Code GTSColorCodeCheck 2.5.57

Code Check Check Results
Results
Clear Results GTS Display>Clear Results GTSDisplayResultsClear 2.5.58

Layer
Current GTS Display>Version GTSVersion 2.5.59

-
Version
137

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Table of Contents ...v

1. Getting Started ........................................................................................................................ 1

- Installing CAD Modeler

1.2. Installing CAD Modeler under Windows 8 and Windows 7

2.1. Overview of Using CAD Modeler and configuring AutoCAD

2.2. Running CAD Modeler

2.5. CAD Modeler Commands

Using the Level Properties form you can:

Using the Grid form you can:

2.5.6. Creating Joints

2.5.8. Joint Supports

2.5.9. Joint Properties

2.5.10. Duplicate Joints

2.5.12. Creating Members

2.5.13. Finding Members

2.5.14. Splitting Members

2.5.15. Merging Members

2.5.16. Member Properties

2.5.17. Member Filters

Members can be filtered forming queries of three different categories:

2.5.18. Creating Shell Finite Elements

2.5.19. Reverse Incidence Order

2.5.20. Finding Shells

2.5.21. Shell Properties

2.5.22. Meshing along a curve

- The Material of the members to be

2.5.23. Meshing between two lines

2.5.24. Meshing between four lines

2.5.25. Meshing inside a polyline

- The Material of the elements to be

2.5.26. Meshing by extruding a polyline

2.5.27. Meshing using 3 curves

2.5.29. Self - Weight

- the global direction of the

2.5.30. Load Cases

2.5.34. Area Load

- The Name of the Load (up to 8

Advanced Optional Features:

- Outline Region: Select the

2.5.38. Execute GT STRUDL

2.5.39. Read Analysis Results

2.5.40. Import GTI

2.5.42. 3D or Wireframe View of the Structure

2.5.44. Display Options

- set which objects will be visible or not

- Coordinates of a specific Joint or AutoCAD

2.5.46. Select CAD Modelers entities

- Bounded Line Selection: All entities

2.5.48. Display Shell Planar Axes

2.5.49. Display Joint Supports

2.5.50. Display Joint Loads

2.5.51. Display Member Loads

The Display Loads form appears where

2.5.53. Display Deformed Structure

2.5.54. Display Member Diagrams

- The desired Load Case or Combination

2.5.55. Display Finite Element Results

- The desired Load Case

2.5.56. Display Finite Element Selection Results

2.5.57. Display Member Code Check Results